Stein: pubs should stick to simple British food
Pubs should focus on serving good, simple British food and good quality beer, according to celeb chef Rick Stein.
Stein was speaking at the official opening of his Cornish Arms pub in St Merryn, Cornwall — a St Austell tenancy.
The pub has been open for six weeks already and is currently serving 1,190 covers a week under the guidance of head chef Julian Lloyd, who has worked for Stein for 10 years.
The best selling dish is scampi in a basket with the average spend at £7.50 for lunch and £8.60 for dinner.
"This is not a gastropub — they are just restaurants by another name," he said. "Pubs have international appeal and there has been a renaissance in the enthusiasm for British food. It also makes business to stick to those foods.
"The pub is here to look after the locals. It is not just about the food but the beer. My best advice would be to sell nice food and keep your beer lines clean. It is as simple as that.
"You need to sell nice beer but it needs to be looked after. The quality of the beer is often the main reason why men choose a pub."
He added: "I have always wanted a pub because it is an important part of British life. This has been my local since I was 18. The pub is a natural place to sell food and drink.
"You don't need to advertise too much to get people in to the pub. It is part of who we are."
Stein said he had no plans to take on any more pubs at present.
The menu at the Cornish Arms includes:
Breakfast:
Full English breakfastCornish kippersField mushrooms on toastVegetarian breakfast
Main menu: Split pea and ham soupMussels and chipsSteak and tribute pieReal beef burgerFish pieScampi in a basketchicken in a basketGoujons of lemon sole.
